Scholar transport horrors: Driver flees after police intercept seven-seater minibus packed with 22 learners
Traffic officials discovered a seven-seater minibus overloaded with 22 learners in the Ladanna area of Polokwane before the driver fled the scene.
Image: Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety
Limpopo transport authorities have condemned a reckless driving incident in which a driver allegedly overloaded a seven-seater minibus with 22 school learners in Polokwane, placing their lives in danger.
The incident occurred in the Ladanna area, where traffic enforcement officers discovered the severely overloaded vehicle. According to the Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety, the driver abandoned the minibus and fled the scene upon noticing law enforcement officials.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department said it was appalled by the driver’s conduct, describing overloading as a serious traffic offence and a “recipe for disaster”, particularly when it involves learner transport.
“This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritising road safety, especially when transporting learners,” the department said.
The department urged parents, drivers and transport operators to take responsibility for the safety of children and other passengers, warning that reckless behaviour on the roads would not be tolerated.
Traffic officials discovered a seven-seater minibus overloaded with 22 learners in the Ladanna area of Polokwane before the driver fled the scene.
Image: Supplied
Authorities said they would continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible for such violations are held accountable.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report unsafe or suspicious vehicles by contacting the authorities on 0800 006 694.
The department reiterated its commitment to improving road safety across the province, particularly where scholar transport is concerned.
Earlier on Wednesday, IOL reported that the 22-year-old scholar transport driver accused of causing a crash that claimed the lives of 12 learners in Vanderbijlpark is expected to appear before the Vanderbijlpark Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The driver faces 12 counts of culpable homicide as well as charges of reckless and negligent driving following the deadly crash, which occurred on Monday.
The accident, which sent shockwaves across Gauteng and the country, involved a scholar transport vehicle and a truck. Twelve learners died from the crash, while several others sustained injuries.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News